Peace & Chicken Grease

I've been laying in the shade of my Summer Break the past week or so, and I am finding the down time extremely refreshing. When I start to doubt my dedication to teaching - WHAM! - there comes Summer Break to bring me back to my senses. What other job gives us this amount of time off to reenergize and create? My creativity is pouring out the top of my head lately, and I'm hoping this motivation lasts for a few more weeks. No daytime TV - it can suck my brain clear out... ick.

Today, Dana I went to the new Yoga Studio down the street. The website is highly convenient and they have a great beginner's rate. 5 sessions for only $25 - woohoo! So, we are headed to the Foundations class Thursday morning. I remember how much I loved the classes I took while living in Harrisonburg during undergrad. I really want to work on flexibility and core strength. Not to mention, relax once school starts back up again. Namaste!

This weekend while chatting with a friend, I was inspired to start keeping a weekly dinner menu. I know, I know, I'm such a planner. But, what a great habit to start now, and I just feel we both get so bogged down with the what's for dinner tonight question.  Right now it's low stress, because I have the energy to whip something up.  Also, what else is better than grilling out during the summer months?  But, come September, we'll be back to the grumbly stomaches and scouring the cabinets for something to heat up.  This way, I can be more disciplined with doing our weekly grocery shopping on Sundays and getting exactly what we need.  I also think this will help with our food budget, so we don't overspend or have food spoil before we have the chance to eat it.  Trader Joe's has been SUCH a joy, and we do a majority of our shopping there now.  I'm hoping to incorporate more fresh organics in our diet by shopping at local farmer's markets.  I need to research more in our area.  Here is what I'm planning to make for the rest of this week...

• Tuesday:  Trader Joe's Chicken Stir Fry
• Wednesday:  Turkey Burgers w/ summer corn
• Thursday: Mexican Pizza w/ chips & salsa
• Friday:  Grilled Chicken on green salad
• Saturday: Brinner w/ fruit salad (Breakfast for Dinner)
• Sunday:  Bruschetta Chicken (should give lots of leftovers)

Too much chicken ya think?  I'm getting hungry just thinking about this!  Anybody have a favorite website with great summer recipes?